Ukrainian Delegation visits Helsinki to learn about Waste Management and Civil Defence Shelters

The delegation consisted of representatives from various Ukrainian governmental bodies, including the Deputy Minister Ms. Nataliia (Ministry of Restoration), Deputy Minister Mr. Tymur Tkachenko (Ministry of Strategic Industries), Mr. Oleg Bondarenko (member of the Verkhovna Rada) and representatives of the State Emergency Service.

Helsinki, Finland, April 29-30

On April 29th and 30th, as part of the study visit initiated and coorganized by the UN4UkrainianCities project, a delegation from Ukraine visited Helsinki, Finland to explore practices related to the management of construction and demolition waste, alongside insights into the construction and maintenance of civil defense shelters. The delegation consisted of representatives from various Ukrainian governmental bodies, including the Deputy Minister Ms. Nataliia (Ministry of Restoration), Deputy Minister Mr. Tymur Tkachenko (Ministry of Strategic Industries), Mr. Oleg Bondarenko (member of the Verkhovna Rada) and representatives of the State Emergency Service. During the visit, the delegation engaged in a combination of theoretical discussions and practical site visits, including tours of recycling facilities and observations of shelter infrastructure in Finland.

The Ukrainian delegation visited the Merihaka civil defense shelter. Mr. Jarkko Häyrinen, Senior Specialist, Ministry of the Interior of Finland, Department for Rescue Services, gave an introduction to policies and legislation of civil defense shelters in Finland.

The Ukrainian delegation visited the demolition side of Töölö Hospital in Helsinki to learn about asbest handling.

The participants had the possibility to visit a recycling facility that uses innovative technologies and practices. They learned about recycling and processing demolition waste into new raw materials.

Finland stands out as a leader among the European Union member states in providing civilian populations with civil defense shelters. This made it an excellent opportunity for the Ukrainian delegation to learn from Finland's expertise in establishing shelter systems, understanding their protective capabilities, specialized equipment, and the nuances of maintenance, operation, and utilization of shelters for various purposes during peacetime.

Equally significant was the chance to study Finland's approach to managing demolition waste. Ukraine's critical and civilian infrastructure faces substantial damage and destruction daily, resulting in the accumulation of significant amounts of demolition waste. From demolition sites to recycling facilities handling construction and solid waste, the journey showcased sustainable solutions in action.

Additionally, the Ukrainian delegation had the opportunity to hold discussions with Mr. Kai Mykkänen, Minister of Climate and the Environment. The Minister reiterated the Finnish commitment to support Ukraine's recovery.

Participants were grateful to the Ministry of the Environment of Finland for hosting the event. The exchange provided a platform for knowledge exchange and networking between Ukrainian and Finnish stakeholders, potentially fostering future collaboration on mutual challenges and sustainable initiatives.